Campaign to end close shaves for our cyclists

SOUTHEND Council is set to consider a scheme to protect cyclists from cars which pass too close for comfort.

More than half of the British public may be at risk of not following the Highway Code advice for safely passing a cyclist, according to a poll for Cycling UK.

In fact it recommended that motorists give a 1.5 metre birth (SIC) when passing cyclists – the width of a car.

Dan Nelson, Conservative councillor for Southchurch ward, has proposed the use of so-called safe pass mats which encourage drivers to give cyclists adequate room as they overtake.

The proposal, which is seconded by fellow Tory councillor, Tony Cox, states: “One of the main reasons residents do not choose to cycle around the borough is a fear of being harmed whilst riding on the road. One notable concern are cars passing too closely when overtaking.�

The proposal also calls for the installation of new signs warning of a safe passing distance.

Mr Nelson said: “I am requesting that when the council puts in new signs they contain a little symbol to remind car drivers of a 1.5 metre safe passing area – roughly the width of a car.

https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/181...aves-cyclists/

On 15/12/2019 12:07, Simon Mason wrote:

SOUTHEND Council is set to consider a scheme to protect cyclists from cars which pass too close for comfort.

More than half of the British public may be at risk of not following the Highway Code advice for safely passing a cyclist, according to a poll for Cycling UK.
In fact it recommended that motorists give a 1.5 metre birth (SIC) when passing cyclists – the width of a car.

Really?

Are there *many* cars on the market which are 4' 10½" wide?

Looking out of the window and can see that none of our or our immediate
neighbours' vehicles are as narrow as that.

Our vehicles (dimensions taken from the makers' websites) are 5' 10" and
5' 9" wide. They are both modestly-sized, economical, cars.

Dan Nelson, Conservative councillor for Southchurch ward, has proposed the use of so-called safe pass mats which encourage drivers to give cyclists adequate room as they overtake.
The proposal, which is seconded by fellow Tory councillor, Tony Cox, states: “One of the main reasons residents do not choose to cycle around the borough is a fear of being harmed whilst riding on the road. One notable concern are cars passing too closely when overtaking.�
The proposal also calls for the installation of new signs warning of a safe passing distance.
Mr Nelson said: “I am requesting that when the council puts in new signs they contain a little symbol to remind car drivers of a 1.5 metre safe passing area – roughly the width of a car.
https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/181...aves-cyclists/

Southend is a terrible place to drive in. Finding a parking space in any
of the terraced streets or the town centre area is a nightmare, even
during the evening (and especially during the evening in the residential
areas).

On 15/12/2019 12:28, JNugent wrote:
On 15/12/2019 12:07, Simon Mason wrote:

Â* SOUTHEND Council is set to consider a scheme to protect cyclists
from cars which pass too close for comfort.

The advice actually is 'give as much room as you would when passing a
car' So that is two mirrors clearance, say about 2 feet. Quite where
they get 4 feet from is unknown. I have two small 60s cars, they are
both over 5 foot wide at the body, plus mirrors.

On 15/12/2019 13:26, MrCheerful wrote:

On 15/12/2019 12:28, JNugent wrote:
On 15/12/2019 12:07, Simon Mason wrote:

Â* SOUTHEND Council is set to consider a scheme to protect cyclists
from cars which pass too close for comfort.

The advice actually is 'give as much room as you would when passing a
car'Â* So that is two mirrors clearance, say about 2 feet.Â* Quite where
they get 4 feet from is unknown.Â* I have two small 60s cars, they are
both over 5 foot wide at the body, plus mirrors.

I agree. It is best to give cyclists *more* clearance than you would car
(say, three feet instead of two).

But wouldn't it be better for public authorities to concentrate more on
giving this advice to cyclists, especially in slow-moving or stationary
traffic?

"Give at least a car's width clearance to anyone you are overtaking".

On 15/12/2019 13:26, MrCheerful wrote:
On 15/12/2019 12:28, JNugent wrote:
On 15/12/2019 12:07, Simon Mason wrote:

Â* SOUTHEND Council is set to consider a scheme to protect cyclists
from cars which pass too close for comfort.

The advice actually is 'give as much room as you would when passing a
car'Â* So that is two mirrors clearance, say about 2 feet.Â* Quite where
they get 4 feet from is unknown.Â* I have two small 60s cars, they are
both over 5 foot wide at the body, plus mirrors.

So you don't actually pay any road tax then.

--
Bod

On 15/12/2019 13:33, JNugent wrote:
On 15/12/2019 13:26, MrCheerful wrote:

On 15/12/2019 12:28, JNugent wrote:
On 15/12/2019 12:07, Simon Mason wrote:

Â* SOUTHEND Council is set to consider a scheme to protect cyclists
from cars which pass too close for comfort.

The advice actually is 'give as much room as you would when passing a
car'Â* So that is two mirrors clearance, say about 2 feet.Â* Quite where
they get 4 feet from is unknown.Â* I have two small 60s cars, they are
both over 5 foot wide at the body, plus mirrors.

I agree. It is best to give cyclists *more* clearance than you would car
(say, three feet instead of two).

But wouldn't it be better for public authorities to concentrate more on
giving this advice to cyclists, especially in slow-moving or stationary
traffic?

"Give at least a car's width clearance to anyone you are overtaking".



or undertaking

Yes, I give as much clearance as feasible, but less than a couple of
feet is risky and not really an option, while two feet plus is fine at
'about town' speeds.

On Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 12:07:02 PM UTC, Simon Mason wrote:
SOUTHEND Council is set to consider a scheme to protect cyclists from cars which pass too close for comfort.

More than half of the British public may be at risk of not following the Highway Code advice for safely passing a cyclist, according to a poll for Cycling UK.

In fact it recommended that motorists give a 1.5 metre birth (SIC) when passing cyclists – the width of a car.

Dan Nelson, Conservative councillor for Southchurch ward, has proposed the use of so-called safe pass mats which encourage drivers to give cyclists adequate room as they overtake.

The proposal, which is seconded by fellow Tory councillor, Tony Cox, states: “One of the main reasons residents do not choose to cycle around the borough is a fear of being harmed whilst riding on the road. One notable concern are cars passing too closely when overtaking.�

The proposal also calls for the installation of new signs warning of a safe passing distance.

Mr Nelson said: “I am requesting that when the council puts in new signs they contain a little symbol to remind car drivers of a 1.5 metre safe passing area – roughly the width of a car.

https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/181...aves-cyclists/

Hull did it first!

Operation Safe Pass 16 OCT 2019

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news...e-hull-3433818

On 12/15/2019 7:28 AM, JNugent wrote:
On 15/12/2019 12:07, Simon Mason wrote:

Â* SOUTHEND Council is set to consider a scheme to protect cyclists
from cars which pass too close for comfort.

More than half of the British public may be at risk of not following
the Highway Code advice for safely passing a cyclist, according to a
poll for Cycling UK.
In fact it recommended that motorists give a 1.5 metre birth (SIC)
when passing cyclists – the width of a car.

Really?

Are there *many* cars on the market which are 4' 10½" wide?

Looking out of the window and can see that none of our or our
immediate neighbours' vehicles are as narrow as that.

Our vehicles (dimensions taken from the makers' websites) are 5' 10"
and 5' 9" wide. They are both modestly-sized, economical, cars.

Dan Nelson, Conservative councillor for Southchurch ward, has
proposed the use of so-called safe pass mats which encourage drivers
to give cyclists adequate room as they overtake.
The proposal, which is seconded by fellow Tory councillor, Tony Cox,
states: “One of the main reasons residents do not choose to cycle
around the borough is a fear of being harmed whilst riding on the
road. One notable concern are cars passing too closely when overtaking.�
The proposal also calls for the installation of new signs warning of
a safe passing distance.
Mr Nelson said: “I am requesting that when the council puts in new
signs they contain a little symbol to remind car drivers of a 1.5
metre safe passing area – roughly the width of a car.
https://www.echo-news.co.uk/news/181...aves-cyclists/


Southend is a terrible place to drive in. Finding a parking space in
any of the terraced streets or the town centre area is a nightmare,
even during the evening (and especially during the evening in the
residential areas).

1.5 meters is about 5 feet. Here in the USA, many areas are are trying
to get either the 3 feet or 4 feet safe passing distance. Anything less
is unsafe for the cyclist. I see many bike cam videos from cyclist in
Europe and Australia and it amazes me that there are not more accidents.
Your roads are so narrow and cars and trucks give you guys no room. I've
been hit twice and put the hospital for 10 weeks on the first one, it
was touch and go for a while. I am still recovering after 4 years the
2nd hit and run didn't help matters either. I am not one for fines and
tickets but motor vehicle drivers need to be held accountable for
hitting cyclist with stiff penalties paid to cyclist not to courts. This
would put the motor vehicle drivers much more aware and off their cell
phones and if on their cell phones the penalties should be doubled. On
my accident the driver was only fined $169 for not staying lane, his car
was repaired by insurance. I was not compensated anything for all the
damages to me and my property. I was told that I should be happy to be
alive and leave it at that! I am grateful to be alive and feel bless
everyday. This is one reason why motor vehicle drivers give so little
concern for cyclists, there are so little consequences to them.

--
Ride Fast, Ride Safe, Ride for Health and Enjoyment...
Coach JQ
Dancing on the Edge

On Monday, December 16, 2019 at 1:55:21 PM UTC, Coach JQ wrote:
This is one reason why motor vehicle drivers give so little
concern for cyclists, there are so little consequences to them.


In the UK, drivers on their cell phones now get 6 points on their licence and 12 points is a ban. At least we are cracking down on them AND close pass motorists too these days. Speeders are also cracked down on nowadays.

On Monday, 16 December 2019 14:00:58 UTC, Simon Mason wrote:
On Monday, December 16, 2019 at 1:55:21 PM UTC, Coach JQ wrote:
This is one reason why motor vehicle drivers give so little
concern for cyclists, there are so little consequences to them.


In the UK, drivers on their cell phones now get 6 points on their licence and 12 points is a ban. At least we are cracking down on them AND close pass motorists too these days. Speeders are also cracked down on nowadays.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9XSF77opYk

skip to 3:36.

Especially note the 'I don't give a ****' attitude from the professional driver.